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South West commission pushes revival of old rail corridors

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The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the South-West Development Commission, Dr Charles Akinola, has revealed that the commission’s push for the revival of many old, unserviced rail lines in the South-West is aimed at building a regional rail ecosystem that will reduce transportation costs, expand market access, enable rural prosperity, and create jobs for youths across the region, among others.

Akinola made this known on Monday at an interaction session with journalists in Lagos. The SWDC MD commended the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, for welcoming the commission’s proposal on Southwest rail connectivity during the executive management’s working visit to him last week.

Akinola said Opeifa had assured the SWDC team of positive consideration of the proposals, stressing that the NRC was excited to play its role in efforts to make rail transportation a cornerstone of economic development in Nigeria.

According to Akinola, Opeifa had expressed the readiness of the NRC to review SWDC’s application for an operational licence, adding that he had instructed the directors to work with the commission’s technical team to draft the appropriate Memorandum of Understanding that would bring the requests to life.

Akinola insisted that regional rail connectivity will incentivize farming, thereby promoting food security, boosting the region’s Gross Domestic Product, and enhancing the overall economic prosperity of the region in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The SWDC boss said the commission’s rail development roadmap consists of short, medium, and long-term plans. In the short term, the commission sought the concessioning of old, unutilized rail routes for immediate operation.

Of particular interest to Akinola is the revival of the historic Idogo route and the reactivation of the Dagbolu–Osogbo–Erunmu–Omi–Adio corridor. He said the Idogo route is critical to food security and agricultural evacuation.

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He said: “Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Osun are already serviced by rail. We want to maximize these existing corridors to move foodstuffs into Lagos, and also deliver fast-moving consumer goods from the Lagos axis to other Southwest consumer markets.

“We want to revive the Idogo route, and indeed extend it to Dagbolu for movement of farm produce in large quantities from Osun, Oyo, and Ogun states to Lagos, where demand is high. The route will also enhance the delivery of fast-moving consumer goods from Lagos and Ogun states to other states, thereby boosting commerce, creating jobs, and improving cargo movement efficiency.”

For the medium term, Akinola disclosed that SWDC has applied for an operational licence for new routes, expressing optimism for prompt approval. He noted that the commission was exploring opportunities to bring in private-sector partners to operate selected rail lines across the region.

“This agenda has previously been advanced by the DAWN Commission, and we are now in a position to fast-track its implementation,” he said.

In advancing these proposals, Akinola stated that both agencies have agreed on a joint technical team, assuring that SWDC is working with the six Southwest governors to construct strategic road spurs to rail stations that will link dry ports, industrial hubs, and related facilities.

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PHOTOS: Gunmen k!ll three in fresh Jos attack

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Armed assailants have k!lled three people and injured one in Gyel Nyango Community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident occurred on Friday, April 3, 2026.

It was gathered that the gunmen invaded the community, shooting sporadically before escaping into the darkness.

Residents said some locals sustained injuries during the attack which has heightened tension in the area.

Spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the attack on Saturday, describing it as “one too many” senseless assaults on innocent citizens.

“Just yesterday night, some persons came to Gyel community, which resulted in the d3ath of three persons,” he said.

“This cycle of attacks on our rural communities must stop.”

He called on security agencies to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

He urged residents of rural communities in Jos South, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas to be vigilant.

The spokesperson for the State Police Command, Alfred Alabo, who confirmed the incident said the attack occurred at about 9:20 pm when the victims were returning from a mining site.

Alabo said the State Command immediately deployed a patrol team led by the Divisional Police Officer of ‘B’ Division Bukuru.

He noted that the injured victim was promptly evacuated to a hospital and is currently receiving treatment.

The PPRO explained that the State Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and the Community, describing the incident as a “senseless loss of lives.”

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He added that the commissioner ordered the immediate enforcement of a statewide ban on night grazing and night mining, as well as the total ban on commercial motorcycles within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis.

Alabo also noted that a ban on commercial tricycles, popularly called Keke-Napep, had been imposed for Sunday, 5th April 2026.

He urged residents to comply with these directives and avoid unnecessary movements, particularly at night.

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Iran hangs two convicted of links with Israel in pre-war protests

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Iran executed two men on Sunday, convicted of acting on behalf of Israel and the United States during a wave of anti-government protests earlier this year, the judiciary said.

“Mohammad-Amin Biglari and Shahin Vahedparast were hanged after the case was reviewed and the final verdict was confirmed by the Supreme Court,” the judiciary’s Mizan Online website said.

The two men were involved in the anti-government protests that peaked in January, it added.

The demonstrations broke out in late December over rising living costs before spreading nationwide and evolving into anti-government protests that peaked on January 8 and 9.

Iranian authorities said the rallies began peacefully before turning into “foreign-instigated riots” involving killings and vandalism.

Iran has carried out multiple executions in recent days of people linked to the protests or opposition groups, including members of the banned People’s Mujahedin (MEK).

The executions come against the backdrop of Iran’s war with Israel and the United States, which erupted on February 28 with strikes that killed the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.

On Saturday, Iran executed two members of the MEK after four other convicted members of the group were put to death earlier in the week.

On Thursday, it also executed a man convicted of acting on behalf of Israel and the United States during the protests, following similar executions of three others last month.

Tehran has said more than 3,000 people were killed during the unrest, including members of the security forces and bystanders, attributing the violence to “terrorist acts”.

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The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), however, said it had recorded more than 7,000 deaths, the vast majority of them protesters, adding that the toll could be higher.

AFP

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Doctors begin indefinite strike Tuesday – See Why

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The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has declared an indefinite nationwide strike beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, citing what it described as the Federal Government’s plan to halt the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table, a key component of agreements reached after its 2025 industrial action.

The decision, which threatens to disrupt healthcare services across public hospitals in Nigeria, was reached at the end of the association’s virtual extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held on Saturday.

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, NARD National President, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, described the development as “unfortunate,” blaming the Federal Government of Nigeria for pushing doctors towards another industrial action.

“The National Executive Council was informed about the Federal Government’s decision to remove the Professional Allowance Table, a development deemed unfortunate,” he said.

“Following extensive deliberations, the NEC resolved to embark on a total industrial and comprehensive strike beginning at 12:00 am on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.”

The crisis stems from the implementation of a revised Professional Allowance Table negotiated between NARD and the Federal Government following a prolonged strike in 2025. The agreement included improved remuneration packages for resident doctors, covering call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and non-clinical duty payments.

Although implementation was initially scheduled to commence in January 2026, delays pushed the rollout to February. However, NARD alleged that the government was planning to discontinue the process by April, a move the association said undermined trust and violated prior agreements.

Healthcare analysts note that disputes over allowances and welfare have been a recurring issue in Nigeria’s health sector, contributing to frequent strikes by medical unions, including the Nigerian Medical Association. These disruptions often reduce access to healthcare services, particularly in public hospitals that cater to the majority of Nigerians.

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Outlining the association’s demands, Ibrahim called for the immediate reversal of the government’s decision and settlement of all outstanding entitlements.

“We demand the reversal of the decision to cease the implementation of the PAT starting in April 2026,” he said.

“There must be immediate payment of promotion arrears and salary arrears in affected centres, as well as the prompt conclusion of the process of paying the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.”

“We also insist on the immediate processing and payment of the outstanding 19 months’ arrears of the Professional Allowance.”

He further urged members of the association nationwide to remain united.

“The NARD leadership calls on its members to unite in the fight against this injustice and to pursue it to a logical conclusion,” Ibrahim added.

The planned strike raises concerns about the potential impact on Nigeria’s already strained health system. Resident doctors form the backbone of service delivery in tertiary hospitals, handling a large proportion of patient care.

According to health sector data, Nigeria faces a severe shortage of medical personnel, with doctor-to-patient ratios far below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended standard of one doctor to 600 patients. Estimates suggest Nigeria’s ratio is closer to one doctor per 5,000 patients, particularly in underserved areas.

An indefinite strike could lead to the shutdown of outpatient services, delays in surgeries, and increased pressure on private healthcare facilities, raising concerns among patients and health advocates.

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